Migration of Assateague Island, Maryland, by inlet and overwash processes

The northern part of Assateague Island, Maryland, has a history of rapid shoreline erosion, with washovers much in evidence. A comparison of aerial photography shows that the greatest island widths and highest rates of landward migration are associated with inlet dynamics. The over-wash process, at maximum transport conditions in this sand-starved area, is effective only in maintaining the island as a low, narrow barrier.